A dog who has clocked up more than 740 days at the shelter came so close to finding a forever home, only to have it taken away in the most-heartbreaking circumstances.
In a video posted to TikTok by Animal House Shelter, a nonprofit no-kill rescue in Huntley, Illinois, viewers were introduced to Ella, one of the facility’s longest-serving residents.
“Ella first came to our shelter in July of 2020 from Dyersburg, Tennessee, where she had been picked up as a stray. Tabitha, a member of staff at Animal House Shelter, told Newsweek. “Unfortunately, we don’t know much about her life before that.”
There are times when Ella is the life and soul of the party at the shelter. “Ella loves to play and snuggle with her favorite people,” Tabitha said. “She’s full of joy and does a full-body wiggle every time she sees someone she loves—it’s impossible not to smile when she does it.”
However, being at the shelter for over 740 days has undoubtedly taken had a bad effect on her. “Ella definitely has her down days,” Tabitha said. “Our staff walks and interacts with her throughout the day, but being in a kennel for so long takes a toll. She craves the comfort and consistency of a real home—a cozy bed, quiet nights, and her very own family.”
It is not unusual for long-term shelter dogs to struggle with their surroundings, even after an extended period of time living in them. In 2021, a study published in the journal Animals concluded that, while canines living in a shelter for 12 months or more suffered no physical harm as a result of their situations, they did exhibit stress-related behaviors. More specifically, these dogs were found to be more affected by acute stressors and had difficulty relaxing.
The clip, posted to TikTok under the handle @animalhousecenter, highlights the impact this has had, with the video including footage of Ella when she came in on day one, all excited, followed by the more-dejected-looking Ella sitting inside her kennel after going 740 days without adoption.
The dog’s current downbeat demeanor could also be down to her personal situation and the fact she previously came so close to getting a second chance at life. “Ella has been adopted and returned because she became protective of her family,” Tabitha said. “She bonds deeply and wants to keep her loved ones safe, but that protectiveness can be misunderstood when visitors come over. It’s heartbreaking, because it stems from love and loyalty, but it has cost her a few chances at forever.”
These experiences have made everyone at AHS more determined than ever to make sure the next home they find for Ella is a forever one. It is a tricky process and one that is taking more time than everyone would like, but the rescuers have a clear idea of the type of place that would be optimal for her.
“Ella would do best in a calm, adult-only home where she can be the center of attention and the only pet,” Tabitha said. “She just needs someone who will understand her, give her patience and structure, and let her love as deeply as she wants to.”
Anyone who believes they might fit that bill is encouraged to get in touch.